Patricia Briggs, a name synonymous with captivating urban fantasy, has built a loyal readership through her enthralling Mercedes Thompson series. While fans eagerly await each new novel featuring Mercy Thompson, many might be unaware of the rich tapestry of short fiction that Briggs has woven, further enriching the world they love. This article delves into the short stories of Patricia Briggs, offering a guide for both dedicated followers and newcomers eager to explore the broader Mercedes Thompson universe and beyond.
Briggs’ short fiction provides glimpses into various facets of her imaginative world, often spotlighting beloved characters and exploring themes that resonate throughout her novels. These stories are not mere footnotes to her larger works; they are integral pieces that expand upon the lore and deepen our understanding of the characters that populate the Mercedes Thompson and Alpha & Omega series.
One of the earliest entries in her short fiction bibliography is “Wishing Well,” a story that marked her first professional sale and offers a taste of her storytelling prowess. While not directly related to the Mercedes Thompson series, it showcases the foundational elements of fantasy and compelling narrative that define her work.
Delving into fairy tale retellings, Briggs contributed “The Price” to Silver Birch, Blood Moon, an anthology edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling. This story reimagines Rumplestiltskin, demonstrating Briggs’ ability to breathe new life into classic tales while infusing them with her unique style.
The Mercedes Thompson universe truly begins to expand in anthologies like Wolfsbane and Mistletoe. Here, “Star of David” introduces David Christiansen, a character briefly mentioned in Moon Called. This Christmas-themed urban fantasy story blends warmth with the supernatural, showcasing how even amidst murder and deception, family bonds can strengthen. It’s a story so beloved it was later reprinted in her own anthology, Shifting Shadows.
Another significant contribution is “Seeing Eye,” featured in Strange Brew, an anthology focused on witch-centric narratives. Briggs, never one to adhere strictly to genre conventions, cleverly incorporates werewolves, romance, and revenge into a witch-themed collection, proving her versatility and ability to surprise readers. This story, too, found its place again in Shifting Shadows, highlighting its popularity and relevance within her broader body of work.
For fans interested in visual adaptations, “Homecoming” marks a unique point in the Mercedes Thompson saga. It’s connected to the “Mercy Thompson” graphic novels by Dabel Brothers Comics, adapting the initial novels into a visual medium. While Briggs herself admits the graphic novel world was somewhat new to her, she appreciates the artistic interpretation of her characters and world.
“Fairy Gifts,” published in Naked City edited by Ellen Datlow, offers a darker, more introspective narrative. This story follows a vampire seeking redemption in the mines of Butte, Montana, exploring themes of atonement and unexpected solace in bleak settings. Like many of her standout short stories, “Fairy Gifts” was also included in the Shifting Shadows anthology.
In “Gray,” from Home Improvement: Undead Edition, Briggs revisits vampire lore, this time through the lens of nostalgia and unexpected discoveries. A vampire returning to her former home unearths more than just memories, hinting at the complex histories and emotional depths of even seemingly immortal beings. This story, edited by Charlaine Harris and Toni L.P. Kelner, also earned a spot in Shifting Shadows.
“In Red, with Pearls,” featured in Down These Strange Streets edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois, throws Warren into a predicament with troublesome neighbors. This story injects humor and action, reminding readers that even supporting characters in the Mercedes Thompson world face their own share of supernatural challenges. Unsurprisingly, this engaging tale is also part of the Shifting Shadows collection.
Shifting Shadows itself is a cornerstone for any Patricia Briggs enthusiast. This anthology compiles previously published short stories from the Mercedesverse alongside new additions, making it an essential collection for a comprehensive understanding of her world.
Within Shifting Shadows, stories like “Silver” delve into the poignant backstory of Bran and Samuel’s transformations into werewolves and the tragic origins of Samuel’s love for Ariana. This story is a deeply emotional piece, revealing the formative events that shaped key characters in the Mercedes Thompson series.
“Roses in Winter,” also in Shifting Shadows, presents a tale of survival and compassion. It recounts the story of a young girl transformed into a werewolf and Asil’s intervention to save her when she struggles to control her wolf form. This story highlights the themes of mercy and the often-harsh realities of the werewolf world under Bran’s leadership.
“Redemption,” another Shifting Shadows entry, offers a lighter, character-focused narrative. It centers on Ben and his bet to refrain from swearing for a week, showcasing his personality and hinting at personal growth within the pack dynamics.
“Hollow,” again from Shifting Shadows, brings Mercy Thompson directly into the spotlight. Tasked with helping a reclusive wealthy individual haunted by a ghost, this story promises classic Mercy Thompson action and supernatural mystery.
Venturing into holiday themes once more, “Unappreciated Gifts” in A Fantastic Holiday Season provides a humorous look at Asil’s personal life. Challenged by pack members to engage in blind dates, Asil’s experiences offer a lighter, more comedic side to the often-stoic character.
“Asil and the Not-Date,” featured in Fantastic Hope, continues Asil’s foray into the dating world. This story expands on his character and explores the challenges and humorous situations that arise when a centuries-old fae tries to navigate modern romance.
“Dating Terrors,” from Heroic Hearts, further explores Asil’s romantic misadventures. This time, an online date takes a dangerous turn, involving dark magic and requiring Asil to step into a heroic role to save his date.
Finally, “A Memory of Witches” in Instinct provides a story centered around Sherwood Post and his kitten, Pirate. This tale, part of an animal rescuers anthology, likely showcases a different facet of Briggs’ storytelling, possibly blending her signature supernatural elements with themes of animal companionship and rescue.
Exploring Patricia Briggs’ short fiction is essential for any fan of the Mercedes Thompson series. These stories offer deeper insights into the characters, expand the lore of her universe, and showcase her versatility as a writer. Whether you are a long-time reader or new to her work, these short stories are a valuable addition to your Patricia Briggs experience, offering glimpses into the broader world that makes the Mercedes Thompson novels so captivating.
